ARRC names Hopp VP of engineering, Brooks to retire

Hopp has 12 years of experience with ARRC. He started in 2001 as a capital projects manager and in 2003, became manager, civil projects. In 2011, Hopp was promoted to director of special projects, overseeing two rail extension projects, Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and Northern Rail Extension, Phase One.

Before joining ARRC, Hopp worked for Transystems Corporation. From 1995 to 2001, Hopp provided project management services to BNSF and Union Pacific.

"Clark has proven himself repeatedly as a very effective project manager for our railroad and for much larger railroads in the Lower 48," said Brooks. "I have full confidence in his ability and leadership to head the Alaska Railroad's engineering functions. Clark has the clear vision needed for this executive leadership role."

"In 40 years of railroading, I can easily say that Tom Brooks stands out as a true leader," said ARRC President and CEO Chris Aadnesen. "Not only does Tom possess the professional and technical skills required of a chief engineer, he routinely facilitates cross-departmental problem solving. The ARRC has benefited greatly from his steady, resourceful approach to management. Always an excellent role model, Tom has molded his department's senior staff to become effective leaders that are capable of carrying the load as he retires."

Brooks joined the Alaska Railroad in 1986 as the engineering office supervisor. The next year, he was named manager, civil engineering, marking the first of several promotions during a 27-year career. In 1991, Brooks became chief engineer, a title he has held ever since. In 2005, Brooks added executive duties as assistant vice president of projects and in 2010, he rose to vice president of engineering.